The Truth About Black Beauty Products: Are they Killing Us?

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Introduction

I travel a lot. And sometimes I’ve worn styles that made travel easier or made me feel pretty. But I never questioned the products I put on my skin and hair until I lived in South Korea. There, I saw a very different approach to beauty—one that focused on simple, nourishing ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. My skin got better. I wasn’t breaking out. My scalp wasn’t itchy. My skin thrived with gentle products that felt more like care than cover-up. And that made me ask—what is the truth about black beauty products?

Table of Contents

• The Truth About Black Beauty Products
• Introduction
• Hair Products: More Than Just Moisture and Hold
• Beauty & Makeup: A Hidden Health Risk
• Endocrine Disruptors: The Silent Threat in Beauty Products
• How Do They Affect the Body?
• Why Are Children More Vulnerable?
• What To Look For in Safer Products
• The Bottom Line

Hair Products and the Environmental Working Group

Our products moisturize, define curls, lay edges, and enhance hairstyles with wigs and weaves that often contain harmful ingredients that weaken hair over time.

For a long time, I trusted the labels. I thought that if a product showed a Black woman, it had to be made for me. I believed the promises: stronger hair, clear skin, a flawless look. But when I started looking at the ingredients, I was shocked. Some of those same products were packed with chemicals that could hurt me. It wasn’t just about looking good anymore—it was about staying healthy.

There are few regulations regarding many of the beauty products we use. The Environmental Working Group found that 4000 products targeted towards black women were either moderately harmful or highly harmful.

Some of the biggest culprits include:

• Relaxers & Straighteners – Many contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen linked to uterine cancer and scalp burns. Studies show that frequent use increases cancer risk, yet these products are still marketed as the only way to “manage” natural hair.
• Edge Controls & Gels – Many formulas include DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde. PEG compounds and synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies and disrupt hormones. The stronghold might look great, but at what cost?
• Hair Grease & Heavy Oils – Many contain petroleum, mineral oil, and silicones that coat the hair rather than nourish it. These ingredients block moisture from getting in, causing long-term dryness and breakage.
• Sulfate-Based Shampoos – Sulfates strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Many shampoos marketed to Black women include these harsh detergents, making hair dependent on excessive conditioning to repair the damage.
• Wigs & Weaves – Many synthetic wigs and weave extensions contain flame-retardant chemicals and other toxic substances that can irritate the scalp, trigger allergic reactions, and contribute to hair loss. Adhesives and glues used to secure wigs and lace fronts often contain harsh chemicals like latex and formaldehyde, which can weaken hair follicles and cause long-term damage to edges and scalp health.

Beauty & Makeup: A Hidden Health Risk

Makeup and skincare should enhance beauty, not compromise health. Unfortunately, the truth about many black beauty products marketed to Black women contains higher levels of heavy metals, preservatives, and synthetic dyes than those sold to white consumers. Here is a list of some of the safest products on the market according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

I wish I had asked questions earlier. Honestly, I wish I had read the labels. I wish someone had told me that beauty shouldn’t come with risks. I’ve had scalp pain, thinning hair, and dark spots on my skin. I blamed stress. Then, I blamed hormones. I even blamed getting older. And then I looked everywhere for answers—except with the products I was using every single day. But now, I know better.

• Lipsticks & Lip Glosses – Studies found lead, arsenic, and cadmium in lipsticks from major brands. Since lipstick is ingested in small amounts daily, exposure increases over time.
• Foundations & Powders – Many brands use talc, which is often contaminated with asbestos. Silicones and petroleum-based fillers clog pores and can cause long-term skin irritation.
• Mascaras & Eyeliners – Black pigments often contain carbon black, a chemical linked to cancer and organ toxicity. Waterproof formulas use parabens and phthalates, which interfere with hormones.
• Skin Lightening Products – Many creams contain hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids, which lead to skin thinning, organ damage, and long-term sensitivity. The pressure to lighten skin has fueled a dangerous industry.

Subscribe to Duffelbagspouse Travels!

Get personal updates from Stacey each week, including all new posts. We use your data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Endocrine Disruptors: The Silent Threat in Beauty Products

Unfortunately, several beauty and hair products marketed to Black women contain chemicals that cause more than surface-level damage. The truth about Black beauty products is that many contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks, including breast cancer, which Black women face at a 42% higher mortality rate than non-Black women. However, the most concerning are endocrine disruptors, which interfere with the body’s natural hormone system. These chemicals are often added to enhance texture, prolong shelf life, or create a pleasant scent, but their effects on the body can be devastating.

Endocrine disruptors are found in many beauty products under different names, including phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan. They don’t just affect appearance—they impact overall health, often in ways we don’t immediately notice.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system. These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones, leading to serious health issues. They are found in many beauty products under different names, including phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan.

How Do They Affect the Body?

Hormones regulate growth, metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. When endocrine disruptors enter the body, they throw these systems off balance. This can lead to:

• Early puberty in children, especially girls.
• Irregular menstrual cycles and fertility issues in women.
• Lower sperm counts and reproductive problems in men.
• Increased risk of breast and uterine cancers.
• Weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable?

Because children’s bodies are still developing, they are more sensitive to these chemicals. Studies have found that:

• As a result, babies exposed to endocrine disruptors in the womb may suffer from developmental delays, birth defects, and future fertility issues.
• Young children exposed to these chemicals are more likely to develop hormone-related conditions like obesity and diabetes later in life.
• Detoxification systems in children (like the liver) aren’t fully developed until age 10, meaning toxins stay in their bodies longer.

What To Look For in Safer Products

Black women deserve beauty products that enhance, not harm. Here’s what to look for when choosing safer options:

• Water-based formulas for hydration without buildup.
• Natural oils and butter (jojoba, argan, shea, avocado) instead of petroleum-based ingredients.
• Aloe vera and glycerin for moisture retention.
• Fragrance-free or naturally scented products (essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances).
• No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
• Talc-free & heavy metal-free makeup (opt for mineral-based alternatives).

The Bottom Line

Black women spend billions on beauty and hair care, yet the industry continues to sell us products filled with toxic chemicals. Many of these harmful ingredients are banned or restricted in other countries, yet they remain on U.S. shelves—especially in products marketed to us.

While it’s tempting to choose the most affordable options, don’t look for the cheapest products. Many of the healthier Black beauty products are more expensive, but they can save your life. Investing in safer alternatives means reducing exposure to carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and other dangerous chemicals that disproportionately affect our health.

Knowing the truth about Black beauty products is power. Read labels. Do research. Demand better. Your health is worth more than a perfect curl or flawless foundation. It’s time to choose beauty products that don’t just make us look good but also keep us healthy.

Like it. Pin it.

Have you checked the ingredients in your favorite products? What have you swapped out for a safer option? Let’s talk in the comments.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on my research and personal opinions. It is not intended as medical advice. Please do your own research and consult professionals before making changes to your beauty and hair care routine.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!